Released by Governor Ron DeSantis’s Office …
Tel Aviv, Israel – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis spoke to the Florida Delegation at the Welcome Reception in Tel Aviv, Israel. The Governor outlined his objectives and thanked the delegation for their commitment to Israel.
The Governor’s business development mission will provide Florida with a unique opportunity to strengthen the economic bonds between Florida and Israel. During the mission, Governor DeSantis and Enterprise Florida, Inc. President & CEO Jamal Sowell will meet with Israeli companies to recruit new high-wage jobs and make Florida the destination for Israeli business investment. Florida businesses attending the mission will meet with Israeli businesses in an effort to build relationships and create trade opportunities.
“I am excited to be here in Israel with such a diverse group of Florida leaders who will proudly represent Florida and our great nation on this historic business development mission,” said Governor DeSantis. “This mission will affirm our deep and ongoing partnership with Israel.”
Trade is vital to Florida’s economy. In 2018, Florida’s total merchandise trade increased by 4.0 percent to $153.5 billion, greater than the 3.6 percent growth in 2017. Merchandise exports (goods shipped from or through the state) grew 4.7 percent to $73.5 billion with double-digit gains seen in leading commodities such as aircraft, engine parts and motor vehicles. Florida also ranked as the eighth-largest export state in 2018 with $57.2 billion in export shipments, an increase of 4.2 percent.